Posterior Capsule Opacification
LASER is an acronym meaning Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are presently used to painlessly open membranes behind implants, to treat certain cases of glaucoma, and to treat some cases of retinal disease. We use different types of lasers in our practice.
The Neodymium-YAG laser opens membranes within the eye without the need for incision. In modern cataract surgery, the posterior capsule of the lens is intentionally left in place to stabilize the eye, reduce complications, and support a lens implant. Eventually, this capsule will cloud several weeks, months, or years after surgery and cause a decrease in vision. This is referred to as posterior capsule opacification and is commonplace following cataract surgery. Dr. Alan Mendelsohn uses the Neodymium-YAG laser in these cases to cut a small opening in the clouded capsule to restore vision in the office, a procedure referred to as YAG laser capsulotomy. This procedure is painless, requires no injection, no anesthetic, no hospital admission, and takes only a few minutes. The patient can resume his normal activities immediately.